Abuse and intimidation in politics is threatening democracy in Northern Ireland and across the UK new report finds
The Jo Cox Civility Commission’s report, A Renewed Call to Action for the Devolved Nations, launched today, delivers a clear set of recommendations to curb abuse and promote civility in public life in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In a big election year, the charity, The Jo Cox Foundation, set up after Jo Cox MP was murdered, warns that the scale of abuse and intimidation in politics is threatening our democracy, citing evidence showing:
The report’s recommendations, created in collaboration with a range of elected representatives, government officials and civil society, include calls for:
A Renewed Call to Action for the Devolved Nations builds on the Commission’s first call to action launched in Jan 2024. Since then, progress has been made to address abuse in politics. For example, as a result of the Foundation's recommendations, the Home Office confirmed the expansion of dedicated resources through Operation Ford - an initiative to strengthen the security and protection of locally elected representatives and candidates.
Baroness Jan Royall, Chair of The Jo Cox Foundation, said:
“The importance of addressing violence, abuse and harassment in our politics is underlined this year as we approach the tenth anniversary of Jo’s murder. We work on these issues not only or primarily because of the way that Jo was killed but because of the values with which she lived. Jo believed passionately in robust debate and diverse representation. We call on everyone across society to take action to address abuse and promote a more respectful, inclusive politics.”
Edwin Poots MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said:
“The report from the Jo Cox Civility Commission highlights that abuse and threats are a growing issue across politics and is an important contribution to the public debate on how to tackle these issues. In Northern Ireland, there has been a significant step change in activity and cooperation between the PSNI, Assembly Commission, Electoral Commission and the Electoral Office.
“In the past year, representatives from all political parties have shared horrific examples of their experiences. Many people will be deterred from entering politics to protect themselves, their family and their mental health. There is also a risk that we overcompensate against vile abuse by curtailing the legitimate passionate debate and scrutiny which are an essential part of parliamentary business. We must therefore all resist accepting despicable, nasty and threatening personal abuse as an inevitable part of politics.”
Councillor Billy Webb, President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), said:
“I warmly welcome these recommendations, which represent an important step toward strengthening safety, respect, and democratic participation across local government. Councillors work tirelessly on behalf of their communities, and they deserve to carry out that work free from abuse, intimidation, or fear. By improving risk planning, embedding a culture of civility, and ensuring robust wellbeing and security supports, we create a system that not only protects elected representatives but also safeguards the health of our democracy. NILGA is committed to working with councils and partners across all jurisdictions to put these principles into practice.”
Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the UK Electoral Commission, said:
“Addressing the abuse and intimidation of candidates and elected officials is crucial to safeguarding individuals and their families as well as protecting the health of our democracy. Well-run elections require candidates to engage freely with voters without fear for their safety. Addressing this issue requires coordinated action by the UK's governments, regulators, police, and parties at all levels.
“The Electoral Commission is working across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to improve the safety of candidates, from our education programmes and joint work with police forces across the country, to updating the campaigning code of conduct for political parties and campaigners. Ahead of the elections in England, Wales and Scotland this May, we are ensuring candidates have access to clear, practical guidance so they can campaign with confidence.”
Dan Jarvis MBE MP, UK Minister of State for Security, said:
“Abuse of politicians is corroding our democracy, silencing voices, and discouraging people from standing for office. Left unchecked, it will have a chilling effect on our politics.
"I welcome this call to better protect elected representatives in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will continue driving forward our work across government to this end – expanding police support and introducing new laws to deter this behaviour.
“Working with valued partners like the Jo Cox Foundation, we are making clear that we are stronger when we work together, than when division drives us apart.”
Rt Hon Elin Jones MS, Llywydd of the Senedd, said:
“I welcome the Jo Cox Civility Commission’s report. It represents an important contribution to a discussion which is central to a healthy political environment and public life in general.
“Regrettably, abuse is now pervasive in our politics, and we all have a part to play in fostering a political culture which places greater emphasis on respect, tolerance, and kindness.
“This is especially important in an election year when politics is in the spotlight and when democratic debate intensifies between parties.
“The Senedd Elections in May should be an exchange of ideas in which candidates focus on their vision for the future of Wales without resorting to personal attacks. Politicians have a responsibility to help set a positive and respectful tone to political debate.
“I hope the same will be true of voters who can also play a role in detoxifying social media where politicians have faced horrific abuse including threats of physical attacks or even death threats in some cases.
“If we all take this duty seriously, we can prevent disagreement from descending into abuse and re-set the focus of our politics onto the issues that matter the most to people’s daily lives.”
Councillor Lis Burnett, Llywydd, Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), said:
“The WLGA welcomes this important report by the Jo Cox Civility Commission. Very sadly, councils across Wales are seeing more and more cases where councillors are subjected to threats, intimidation and abuse. This behaviour has no place in our democracy and it’s having a real impact on people who simply want to serve their communities.
“The WLGA has been calling for greater civility in public life for many years, and the Commission’s work reinforces just how important this is. Their updated recommendations for the devolved nations will help strengthen the support available to councillors and highlight where further action is needed.
“Local democracy only works when people feel safe to speak up and step forward. We fully support the Commission’s message that we have more in common than divides us, and we remain committed to working with councils and partners across Wales to promote respect, protect elected members, and help build a healthier political culture.”
Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said:
“I very much welcome the Commission’s timely report. In recent years we have seen escalating hostility in political debate – hostility that deters people from getting involved in politics, and particularly those groups who are currently and historically under-represented.
The findings of this report highlight that positive change is possible. By embracing the report’s recommendations, we can help build a political culture rooted in civility, compassion and respectful debate – a democracy where everyone can participate without fear or intimidation.
The importance of constant action to protect and enhance democracy cannot be overstated. With the Scottish election approaching, this work becomes even more important.”
Councillor Shona Morrison, President, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), said:
"COSLA welcomes A Renewed Call to Action for the Devolved Nations and strongly supports the Jo Cox Foundation’s continued leadership in shining a light on abuse, intimidation, and harassment in public life.
“This report’s recommendations offer an important and timely framework for how councils, local government associations and partners can work together to protect everyone who serves our communities.
“Across Scotland, we are seeing a troubling rise in threatening and abusive behaviour directed at councillors and public servants. This is unacceptable. No one should face violence, harassment or intimidation for doing their job or representing their community.
“We fully endorse the report’s call for a holistic, preventative approach - one that strengthens standards, promotes civility, and ensures that individuals feel safe, respected, and able to participate in local democracy.
“COSLA is committed to working with our member councils and partners to implement practical measures that uphold these principles and foster a healthier public sphere. The safety and wellbeing of all those in public service must remain a shared priority.”
The full report and recommendations will be available at www.jocoxfoundation.org/commission
Contact media@jocoxfooundation.org
